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Breast
Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention
Breast cancer - the idea strikes fear in the heart of every woman.
The fact is, this dreaded killer can happen to any woman, and even a
man although it is less likely. Statistics tell us that 1/8 of
women in the United States can develop this type of cancer sometime
during their lives. Thus you have a 13% chance of getting it.
However the actual percentage of risk varies with age and other
circumstances.
There are two key points to remember about cancer: First, early
detection of signs such as breast tumors is vital to fighting the
disease. Second, you can take measures to lower your risk of
getting cancer, but you cannot entirely prevent it. There are risk
factors you can control, and some that you can’t. A risk factor is
anything that adds to the likelihood of acquiring the disease.
Controllable Risk Factors
The
best thing any woman can do for herself is to live a healthy life in
harmony with nature. This is really the best preventive medicine,
not just against cancer, but any type of illness. Following are
some of the factors you can manipulate to lower your risk level.
Weight - There is a definite correlation between getting breast
cancer and being overweight, especially after menopause. Fat in the
body has estrogen in it, and the more fat tissue present in the
body, the higher the levels of estrogen. This, in turn, adds to the
risk of developing cancer.
Diet - Although scientists are not yet satisfied with the
evidence, it’s plain to see that the quality of food we eat can
affect our chances of getting cancer. As much as possible, eat
fresh, organic foods like fresh fruits, vegetables and clean
drinking water. Avoid processed foods or foods exposed to
pesticides and preservatives. Do not eat red meat often. Stick
with light meats like fish and poultry, if not a vegetarian diet.
Above all, refrain from eating fatty and fried dishes.
Alcohol - Women who drink face a much higher risk of developing
cancer than non-drinkers. Alcohol can impair the liver’s ability to
regulate estrogen.
Smoking - Smoking is just as bad as drinking so far as cancer
risk levels go.
Exercise - People in the old days were active. Today we are too
busy watching TV and Internet to get off the chair. But studies
have proven that regular exercises helps reduce the risk of cancer.
Start with a 30-40 minute exercise program 3 times a week, or as
prescribed by your
doctor.
Contraceptives - The use of oral contraceptives is another risk
factor. But if you quit it and do not use any for many years, the
risk appears to vanish.
Bras - Some studies show that wearing a bra for long periods is
a risk factor too.
Estrogen - We have mentioned estrogen several times. This
hormone is responsible for the development of female sexual
characteristics in the body. After menopause the body stops
producing estrogen. If the woman is exposed to estrogen anyway for
whatever reason, it increases the odds of acquiring breast cancer
since estrogen makes breast cells grow. Hormonal Replacement
Therapy or HRT can do this, as can obesity and drinking alcohol.
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